7-Day Itinerary for South India in September 2023

1. Day 1: Chennai
   30 minutes (9.2 km) from Chennai International Airport

   Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chennai. Explore the nearby vibrant Mylapore neighborhood.

2. Day 2: Mahabalipuram
   1 hour 30 minutes (57.6 km) from Chennai

   Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, and the Descent of the Ganges. Relax at the Mahabalipuram Beach.

3. Day 3: Pondicherry
   2 hours 30 minutes (156 km) from Mahabalipuram

   Visit the Aurobindo Ashram and explore the French Quarter's colonial architecture. Relax at the Promenade Beach in the evening.

4. Day 4: Thanjavur
   4 hours 30 minutes (248 km) from Pondicherry

   Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery.

5. Day 5: Madurai
   3 hours (160 km) from Thanjavur

   Visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple, a sprawling complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, and the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, a 17th-century palace with a light and sound show.

6. Day 6: Thekkady
   3 hours 30 minutes (140 km) from Madurai

   Take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake and spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn about the spice plantations of Kerala and take a cooking class.

7. Day 7: Kochi
   4 hours (162 km) from Thekkady

   Explore Fort Kochi's colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Visit the Jewish Synagogue and the Dutch Palace. Watch a Kathakali dance performance in the evening.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Kapaleeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Shore Temple (1-2 hours, INR 600 for foreigners)
• The Aurobindo Ashram (1-2 hours, free)
• Brihadeeswarar Temple (1-2 hours, INR 250 for foreigners)
• Meenakshi Amman Temple (2-3 hours, INR 50 for foreigners)
• Periyar Lake boat ride (2-3 hours, INR 450 for foreigners)
• Kathakali dance performance (1-2 hours, INR 300-500)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 2150-2350